Festival of Lights Returns This Saturday

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's 33rd annual Festival of Lights returns this Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, through Jan. 6, 2026, transforming Downtown into Southern California's premier holiday destination with over 10 million lights, family activities and festive entertainment.

For some, the Switch On Ceremony is an unmissable tradition. For others, opening night's crowds are a bit much. Whatever your preference, we've put together a complete guide to help you make the most of the season. Be sure to check your favorite Downtown restaurants and stores on social media: many offer special holiday treats and deals throughout the season.

The Switch On Ceremony

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m.
Where: Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue
Arrive by: 4:30 p.m. for best viewing
Expected attendance: Up to 75,000 people

The festival launches with the traditional switch-on ceremony, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and concert featuring Matt Mauser and The Tijuana Dogs. This marks the third year the festival has begun the weekend before Thanksgiving, departing from its longtime tradition of starting the day after the holiday.

Kaiser Permanente Offers Free Flu Shots, Youth Health Event

Kaiser Permanente Riverside County, a sponsor of the 33rd annual Festival of Lights, will offer free flu vaccines and health activities on opening night. Visit the health booth on University Avenue between Market and Main streets from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 22 for no-cost flu vaccines (ages 8 and older) and health screenings for Kaiser Permanente members.

"We're proud to be part of these joyful community traditions while also supporting health and education," said Sammy Totah, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Riverside County.

Festival Details

Dates: Nov. 22, 2025 - Jan. 6, 2026
Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Admission: Free (individual attractions have fees)
Location: The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., and surrounding Downtown blocks

USA Today has recognized the Festival of Lights as the "Best Public Lights Display" in the nation. The festival attracts over 500,000 visitors annually and has become one of the most popular holiday events in the United States. Activities and entertainment run through Dec. 31, while holiday decor and lighting remain on display through Jan. 6.

Activities & Attractions

Ice Skating Rink

Location: West side of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture (across Orange Street from the Mission Inn)
Hours:

• Through Dec. 19: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Dec. 20-31: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily
  Cost: $20 per skater (includes skate rental, one hour of skating)
  Skate assisters: $10 (subject to availability)

Skate under millions of twinkling lights with the historic Mission Inn as your backdrop. The ice rink returns after a brief hiatus as a cherished family tradition.

Holiday Rides & Carnival

Carnival attractions located at Mission Inn Avenue and Lime Street include Fantasy Carousel, Balloon Ferris Wheel, Santa Cub Swing, Christmas Inflatable Bounce House and Christmas-themed children's games. Enjoy carnival foods such as deep-fried Oreos and funnel cakes.

Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31
Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve

Santa Claus Visits

Meet Santa and take free photos with him before his return to the North Pole.

Location: Main Street between Mission Inn Avenue and University Avenue
Dates: Nov. 23 through Dec. 24
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free (bring your own camera; professional photography not available)

Merry Artswalk Market

A lively holiday marketplace featuring local artists, makers, live art demonstrations and interactive workshops. Browse original works in various styles and mediums, meet the artists and purchase handmade creations. Two special holiday editions of Riverside ArtsWalk take place along streets closed for the Festival of Lights, replacing the regular monthly ArtsWalk for December.

Special Artswalk dates: Thursday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 18
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Locations: Main Street between 9th and 10th streets; additional artists along Downtown streets closed for Festival of Lights
Stage performances: 5th Street stage
Presented by: Riverside Arts Council and Division 9 Gallery
More information: riversideartscouncil.com

Live Entertainment

Stage performances at the Ben Franklin Stage (9th Street and Main Street).

When: Thursday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Food Vendors

Food vendors operate throughout Downtown offering roasted almonds, lemonade, cakes, cookies, kettle corn, hot chocolate, gingerbread and more.

Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Dec. 31
Locations: Main Street between 6th Street and Mission Inn Avenue; additional vendors scattered throughout festival area

Holiday Decor & Photo Opportunities

City-sponsored holiday decorations throughout the Downtown area include holiday-themed selfie stations, holiday trees, large ornaments, a sleigh, bows and garland on lights and bridges, and an assortment of holiday light displays.

The Mission Inn Experiences

The Mission Inn offers special holiday dining, entertainment and shopping throughout the season:

• The Mission Inn Candy Lane Store: Holiday-themed décor and sweet treats from around the world (Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
• Sunday Champagne Brunch with Santa: Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($79 adults, $39 children ages 3-12, plus tax and gratuity)
• Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 20, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. (reservations required)
• Holiday Dinner Buffet: Fridays and Saturdays in December beginning Dec. 5-6, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. ($79 adults, $35 children, plus tax and gratuity)
• Holiday Brunches: Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($95 adults ages 12+, $45 children ages 3-11, plus tax and gratuity)
• Grand Holiday Buffet (Grand Parisian Ballroom): Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with elevated décor and live music ($115 adults ages 12+, $54 children ages 3-11, plus tax and gratuity)
• Night Before Christmas Buffet: Dec. 24, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. ($80 adults ages 12+, $40 children ages 3-11, plus tax and gratuity)
• New Year's Eve Celebration: Five-course dinner, cocktail reception, champagne toast and balloon drop in Grand Parisian Ballroom, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. ($160 per guest, cash bar available)
• Live Music: Ron Johnson performs Saturdays 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at California Lounge and Presidential Lounge; carolers perform Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
• 12 Days of Cocktails: Seasonal themed drink list at the Presidential Lounge
• Santa Letter Drop Box: Drop letters to Santa at Kelly's Boutique for express delivery to the North Pole
• Holiday Packages: Eat, Drink & Be Merry; Festival of Lights and Delights; Christmas Caroler's Cheer; Holiday Elf Package; Kensington Kelly Winter Wonderland Suite Package

Additional offerings include live music from Ron Johnson on Saturdays (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) and carolers Thursday-Sunday; seasonal cocktails at the Presidential Lounge; Santa letter drop box at Kelly's Boutique; and holiday packages.

For complete details, reservations and package information, visit missioninn.com or call 951-784-0300.

Volunteer Opportunities

Festival of Lights Volunteers

Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful recruits volunteers for the Festival of Lights, including program distribution and litter cleanup during the event. Sign up to volunteer.

Planning Your Visit

Parking

Public parking lots and garages are available Thursday through Sunday for $15 per vehicle. Visit folparking.com for detailed parking information and maps.

Safety Tips

Visit riversideca.gov for safety tips to keep in mind during the festival.

More Information

Mission Inn website: missioninn.com

City website: riversideca.gov/fol

About the Festival

The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is presented The Roberts, Keepers of The Mission Inn. For over three decades, the festival has captivated the Inland Empire community as a cherished holiday tradition. Duane Roberts, who passed away Nov. 1, devoted years alongside Kelly to creating this beloved celebration.

"This cherished tradition has always been about community, celebration and creating magical memories," Kelly Roberts said, reflecting on the festival's enduring mission to bring joy to Riverside and beyond.